The Democratic point of view sets standards for American society and the role of the government in that society. The basic beliefs about society and government is that:
Societies must have laws that the majority of the people support and accept.
Dissenting minorities are protected and have the right to have an opinion different than the majority.
The people rule and thus, the people rule elect government.
Government should respect and protect individual rights.
Government should also protect and respect individual freedoms.
Civil liberties must be guaranteed for ALL citizens by the government.
Government must work for the common good.
Most, if not all, of these solid Democratic beliefs are outlined and protected by the United States Constitution. Many of today’s hot issues violate some of these tenets. The Homeland Security Act, for example, removes some of the individual freedoms and rights from American Citizens. Republicans feel that the loss of these rights is for the common good; Democrats disagree.
Before pledging membership or allegiance to either political party, Americans should educate themselves about what each party believes and what each party stands for to be sure that their own beliefs agree.